ARTEMIS (IMO 8321591) a bit behind her ETA - just entering English Channel north of Brittany. But she appears to be towing fleet-mate cable-laying barge ATALANTI (IMO 8661616), which is showing a more realistic ETA 19 Jul 2018 12:00. They have both come from Eleusis. But why Portsmouth?

Maybe ARTEMIS/ATALANTI have something to do with the IFA 2 Project connecting electricity from France to Great Britain as there is presently activity in the area involving the ships CHARTWELL, H M DENHAM and STOUR. (http://ifa2interconnector.com/the-project/)

There is a tug AMBER II (IMO 9425423) which has just recently left Aliaga bound for Portsmouth forecasted to arrive 6 August, so maybe this could be something to do with Gold Rover's move to Fountain Lake Jetty, unless someone knows anything more!!

Thanks Phil regarding the new IOW ferry I wondered when that was going to arrive so something to look forward to. So have to wait and see what happens with GOLD ROVER now as when they berth them at FLJ after being laid up at Fareham Creek they usually are waiting to be towed out.

Continuing the detour from the subject, I have heard that the tug AMBER II towing VICTORIA OF WIGHT will end her tow in the St Helens anchorage where local tugs will escort her into Portsmouth Harbour. Can this be confirmed?Still showing ETA as 6th August

Southampton VTS will only show pilot movements for the 6th in a few days time. But it seems likely that if weather is suitable, transfer where there is plenty of searoom to the more manoeuvrable small tugs would be preferable. AMBER II would not be able to berth her in Camber Docks, I think.

Albeit the wettest day I've seem in months, I went down to Southsea today being as the AMBER II was just south of the Isle of Wight. AMBER II did a U turn south of the Nab Tower and started going west looking like she had dropped her tow but no sign of VICTORIA OF WIGHT. Later noticed an AIS signal of her in Southampton Water!! the signal never moved!!!AMBER II now west of the needles and VICTORIA OF WIGHT showing at Cowes, did she come in from the needles end? visibility at Southsea was poor but do not think she slipped by.Hopefully catch her tomorrow

GOLD ROVER was turned on her berth today, prior to this the ahts ASTREA arrived. I wonder if she will take her to the breakers?